Interview with Author – Jim West

About Jim West:
Award Winning YA Fiction Author, Jim West, was born in Killeen, TX in 1977 and grew up mostly in central Louisiana. For over 18 years he has worked in the Cyber Security field and came up with the ideas and concept for the Magicae Mathematica series about a decade ago. His first book of the series, Libellus de Numeros, is one he hopes will resonate with its young readers. Jim is a father of two SMART and beautiful girls whom he loves dearly and when he himself is not away ‘saving the world’ they live in Dubai, UAE with his wonderful wife Eman.

What inspires you to write?
My girls. Writing a series based on math and then seeing them be inspired to do well in math is just special to me. I want this to inspire all girls around the world.

Tell us about your writing process.
I usually listen to chillstep music when I write. I prefer music with no lyrics or words to distract me.

For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I have their whole world inside my head. I can be a fly on the wall listening to them speak, think, and live in the world.

What advice would you give other writers?
Finish your work. Getting to those words ‘The End’ is a special moment that many will never reach.

How did you decide how to publish your books?
I self published for I felt most small presses couldn’t offer more than ebook only. I can do that myself.

What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I feel it will become harder and harder to market and promote. Self-publishing has a bad rep from my short experiences in the realm of books.

What do you use?: Ghostwriter, Professional Editor, Beta Readers

What genres do you write?: Fantasy, Middle Grade

What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print, Both eBook and Print, Audiobook